Decadent Corn Pudding Crème Brûlée Recipe Sweet & Savory

Imagine sitting down to a dish that combines the creamy sweetness of corn pudding with the caramelized crunch of a classic crème brûlée. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. When I first came across the idea of blending these two culinary favorites, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. What I ended up with is a dessert that’s as indulgent as a treat but with a surprising savory twist that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re ready to impress your guests or simply enjoy a unique dessert at home, this Decadent Corn Pudding Crème Brûlée is your ticket to success.

This recipe is all about balance—the natural sweetness of corn pairs beautifully with the creamy custard base, while a crackly layer of caramelized sugar on top adds a satisfying crunch. It’s not too sweet, not too savory, but just right. Whether you’re serving it after a hearty dinner or as the centerpiece of a dessert spread, it’s sure to steal the show.

I’ve made this dish a dozen times, tweaking the details here and there, and I can confidently say it’s become a family favorite. The best part? It’s easier to make than you might think. So, grab your apron, and let’s create something unforgettable together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combo: Corn pudding meets crème brûlée, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that surprises and delights.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy pantry items—everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This dish is ideal for dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or anytime you want to wow your guests.
• Fun to Make: Caramelizing the sugar topping is oddly satisfying and makes you feel like a pro chef!
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add spices, or even make it dairy-free for dietary needs.

This recipe stands out because it isn’t just another dessert—it’s a conversation starter. The combination of creamy corn pudding with that iconic brûlée topping makes every bite feel like a little piece of luxury. It’s comfort food with a twist, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s worth adding to your recipe collection.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This decadent corn pudding crème brûlée uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Corn Pudding Base:
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (adds richness)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
• For the Brûlée Topping:
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can increase the sugar slightly in the pudding base. For a dairy-free option, swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut cream and almond milk—they pair beautifully with the corn flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor (to blend the corn pudding base)
• Ramekins or small oven-safe dishes (for individual servings)
• Baking dish or sheet pan (to hold the ramekins in a water bath)
• Kitchen torch (for caramelizing the sugar topping)
• Whisk and mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, don’t worry—you can use your oven’s broiler for the brûlée topping. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning the sugar.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Prepare the base: In a blender or food processor, combine the sweet corn, heavy cream, milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into ramekins: Divide the mixture evenly among 4-6 ramekins, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Create a water bath: Place the ramekins in a baking dish or sheet pan. Carefully pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
5. Bake: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pudding is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
6. Cool: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7. Caramelize the topping: Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the surface of each pudding. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp. (Alternatively, place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.)

Your Corn Pudding Crème Brûlée is ready to serve—crack through the caramelized top and enjoy the creamy, sweet-savory goodness underneath!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overblend the corn: While you want a smooth base, blending too long can make the mixture overly watery.
• Water bath essentials: Adding hot water ensures even cooking and prevents the pudding from cracking.
• Chilling is key: Cooling the puddings in the fridge helps them firm up and enhances the flavor.
• Take your time with the brûlée: If using a torch, move it in small circles to caramelize evenly without burning.
• Experiment with toppings: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or crushed nuts over the caramelized sugar for extra flavor and texture.

Decadent Corn Pudding Crème Brûlée

Print Recipe

A luxurious dessert that combines the creamy sweetness of corn pudding with the caramelized crunch of crème brûlée, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the sweet corn, heavy cream, milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among 4-6 ramekins, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Place the ramekins in a baking dish or sheet pan. Carefully pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
5. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pudding is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
6. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the surface of each pudding. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp. Alternatively, place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

[‘Don’t overblend the corn to avoid a watery mixture.’, ‘Use a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.’, ‘Chill the puddings in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up and enhance flavor.’, ‘Move the kitchen torch in small circles to caramelize evenly without burning.’, ‘Experiment with toppings like sea salt or crushed nuts for added flavor and texture.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Individual ramekin
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22
• Sodium: 100
• Fat: 12
• Saturated Fat: 7
• Carbohydrates: 28
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 5

Keywords: corn pudding, crème brûlée, sweet and savory dessert, easy dessert recipe, gluten-free dessert